Global Burden of Disease: Mortality Falls, Youth Deaths and Inequities Rise

Global Burden of Disease: Mortality Falls, Youth Deaths and Inequities Rise

M Hasan    9:00 PM   

Global Mortality Rates and the Challenges of Youth Health

According to the latest Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study published in The Lancet and presented at the World Health Summit in Berlin, global mortality rates are decreasing overall. However, this decline is not observed among youths and young adults. The research highlights a concerning trend that requires immediate attention from health care leaders and policymakers.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) now account for nearly two-thirds of the world's total mortality and morbidity, with ischemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes being the leading causes. Researchers suggest that nearly half of all death and disability could be prevented by addressing key risk factors such as high levels of blood sugar and high body mass index (BMI).

Dr. Christopher Murray, Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine, emphasized the significance of these findings. "The rapid growth in the world's aging population and evolving risk factors have ushered in a new era of global health challenges," he said. "The evidence presented in the Global Burden of Disease study is a wake-up call, urging government and health care leaders to respond swiftly and strategically to the disturbing trends that are reshaping public health needs."

Comprehensive Data Collection and Analysis

Dr. Murray's team at IHME and its GBD Collaborator Network of 16,500 scientists and researchers collected and analyzed data to produce estimates for 375 diseases and injuries and 88 risk factors by age and sex globally, regionally, and nationally for 204 countries and territories and 660 subnational locations from 1990 to 2023. This makes the GBD the most comprehensive research quantifying health loss.

Over 310,000 total data sources were used for the latest iteration, with 30% of them being new to this year's study. The research includes 1,211 location-years of provisional all-age vital registration data, which had not previously been used, and which provide more timely information.

Demographic Analysis: Declines in Mortality and Rising Youth Deaths

Despite population growth and aging, the 2023 global age-standardized mortality rate has declined 67% since 1950, and all countries and territories marked declines. Global life expectancy returned to pre-pandemic levels at 76.3 years for females and 71.5 years for males, which is more than 20 years higher compared to 1950. Despite this progress, stark geographic differences remain, with life expectancy ranging from as high as 83 years in high-income regions to as low as 62 years in sub-Saharan Africa.

Among adolescents and young adults, the largest increase in deaths was registered among those aged 20 to 39 in high-income North America from 2011 to 2023, mainly due to suicide, drug overdose, and high quantities of alcohol. During the same period, deaths in the 5–19-year age group increased in Eastern Europe, high-income North America, and the Caribbean.

Over the entire study period, the number of infant deaths declined more than for any other age group. From 2011 to 2023, East Asia recorded the largest decrease of 68% in the mortality rate for the under-5 age group due to better nutrition, vaccines, and stronger health systems.

Causes of Death: Shift from Infectious to Noncommunicable Diseases

Causes of death are shifting from infectious to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), creating new global health challenges, particularly for low-income countries. After standing as the leading cause of death in 2021, COVID-19 plunged to 20th place in 2023, putting ischemic heart disease and stroke back at the top, followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections, and neonatal disorders.

Since 1990, mortality rates for ischemic heart disease and stroke have declined, and so have diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis, stomach cancer, and measles. Conversely, during the same period, the death rate increased for diabetes, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, and HIV/AIDS.

While the global mean age at death increased from 46.4 in 1990 to 62.9 years in 2023, geographic inequities were profound. The highest mean age of death was recorded in the high-income super-region, with females reaching 80.5 years and males at 74.4 years. The lowest mean age of death was in sub-Saharan Africa, with females at 37.1 years and males at 34.8 years.

Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for nearly two-thirds of the world's total death and disability. The top three causes were ischemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Low-income regions also saw a sharp rise in NCDs, further constraining nations with limited resources.

From 1990 to 2023, the age-standardized rate of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) fell 36%. This measures the total years of healthy life lost by examining the years lost from premature death and years lived with disability. From 2010 to 2023, DALY rates for communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional (CMNN) diseases fell by almost 26%. This was led by rates for diarrheal diseases being cut in half, a 43% decrease in rates for HIV/AIDS, and a 42% drop for tuberculosis.

Neonatal disorders and lower respiratory infections remain the top causes of CMNN diseases but have declined 17% and 25%, respectively.

Almost half of the global mortality and morbidity in 2023 was attributable to 88 modifiable risk factors. The 10 risk factors with the highest proportion of health loss were high systolic blood pressure, particulate matter pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose, low birthweight and short gestation, high BMI, high LDL cholesterol, kidney dysfunction, child growth failure, and lead exposure.

Urgent Need for Policy Changes

The GBD 2023 study highlights the urgent need for policymakers to expand health priorities beyond reducing child mortality to include adolescents and young adults, particularly in areas with higher rates of mortality than previously known.

"Decades of work to close the gap in low-income regions with persistent health inequities are in danger of unraveling due to the recent cuts to international aid," said Emmanuela Gakidou, senior author and professor at IHME. "These countries rely on global health funding for life-saving primary care, medicine, and vaccines. Without it, the gap is sure to widen."

The GBD estimates are also available in various interactive data visualization tools, including GBD Compare and GBD Results.

The Hidden Danger to Heart Health After 50, as Warned by Cardiologists

The Hidden Danger to Heart Health After 50, as Warned by Cardiologists

M Hasan    2:50 AM   

The Number One Worst Habit for Your Heart

As we age, the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States, increases. This can be a sobering thought, but the good news is that heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes are largely preventable. While many people have already adopted heart-healthy habits like eating blueberries or managing stress, there's another crucial step: eliminating harmful behaviors.

Cardiologists agree that one habit stands out as the worst for heart health. If you smoke or vape, you're engaging in the number one detrimental habit for your heart. Dr. Anjali Dutta, MD, a cardiovascular specialist with Morristown Medical Center, explains that tobacco use significantly impacts heart health. Similarly, Dr. Fahmi Farah, MD, a board-certified invasive cardiologist, emphasizes that quitting smoking should be the top priority for anyone looking to protect their heart.

Scientific research supports this claim. Smoking not only increases the risk of heart disease but also affects those exposed to second-hand smoke. Even if you don’t smoke, living with someone who does can elevate your risk of developing heart disease compared to someone in a smoke-free environment.

Recognizing the Signs of Heart Disease

Unfortunately, the early signs of heart disease can be subtle and vary depending on the type of condition. Some symptoms to watch for include:

• Heart palpitations
• Neck or shoulder pain
• Unexplained sweating
• New or unexplained heartburn or indigestion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fever
• Inability to exercise

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider promptly.

The Impact of a Sedentary Lifestyle

If you don't smoke, there's another major risk factor for heart disease: being sedentary. Dr. Sergiu Darabant, MD, a medical cardiologist at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, highlights that physical inactivity is a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels—each of which increases the risk of heart disease.

Dr. Darabant suggests following the American Heart Association’s guidelines of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week. Dr. Jennifer Chao, MD, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Great Neck Medical, adds that an active lifestyle not only benefits the heart but also improves bone strength, muscle development, and balance, helping to prevent falls.

Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD, FACC, the chief medical officer at CardioSolution, stresses the importance of making immediate changes if you have unhealthy habits. “Healthy choices should start now. Waiting until next week, month, or year is too late,” he says.

Building a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Beyond avoiding smoking and staying active, there are other steps you can take to support your cardiovascular health. Dr. Chao recommends the Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil while limiting red meat. This approach can help reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

If you drink alcohol regularly, Dr. Dutta advises reconsidering this habit. Contrary to popular belief, even a glass of wine daily isn’t beneficial for heart health. Other key habits include minimizing stress and ensuring adequate sleep.

Dr. Serwer also emphasizes the importance of regular health check-ups, including annual blood pressure screenings. “Knowing your individual risk factors and addressing them through lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and avoiding excess calories, alcohol, and smoking is essential,” he says.

Taking Action for a Healthier Future

Now is the time to make positive changes. Our daily habits play a critical role in our overall health. Remember, cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. Your heart is in your hands, and taking proactive steps today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.

11 Signs Your Sunburn Is Sun Poisoning, Experts Warn

11 Signs Your Sunburn Is Sun Poisoning, Experts Warn

M Hasan    3:43 AM   

Understanding Sun Poisoning: What You Need to Know

Sun poisoning is an extreme version of a sunburn, according to Farah Moustafa, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist and Director of Laser and Cosmetics at Tufts Medical Center. She explains that it starts with red, painful skin—like a regular sunburn—but can quickly escalate into more severe symptoms that require medical attention. While one in three Americans report getting a sunburn each year, about 33,000 individuals end up needing medical treatment for severe sun poisoning symptoms. Below, experts break down what sun poisoning is, how to identify it, and when to seek help.

What Is Sun Poisoning?

Hannah Kopelman, MD, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery and co-founder of DermOnDemand, describes sun poisoning as an extreme sunburn with systemic symptoms beyond just red, painful skin. Although not technically a form of poisoning, it’s a term used to describe a severe reaction to UV radiation. A bad sunburn causes redness, tenderness, and possibly blistering, but sun poisoning takes it further. Symptoms may mimic an allergic reaction or make you feel like you’ve come down with the flu.

Certain people are at higher risk, including those with fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, those living near the equator, individuals taking certain medications (such as antibiotics or retinoids), and those with chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases. The Cleveland Clinic notes that the exact cause of sun poisoning isn’t fully understood, and its effects can vary from person to person.

Symptoms of Sun Poisoning

Sun poisoning can feel like a severe cold or flu with full-body symptoms. While a red, painful sunburn might be immediate, symptoms of sun poisoning can take hours or even days to appear. Common signs include:

• Nausea
• Light-headedness
• Fever
• Chills
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Headache

In addition to these, there may be severe redness, pain, tenderness, and possible blistering of the skin itself.

How to Tell If You Have Sun Poisoning

A sunburn is a radiation burn caused by UV rays. When exposed to too much UV radiation, skin cells die off, leading to redness, swelling, and other typical sunburn symptoms. However, sun poisoning triggers a broader inflammatory response throughout the body. The immune system reacts to the intense UV damage, releasing chemicals similar to those released during an infection.

Here are some key indicators that you may have sun poisoning:

1. Feeling Like You Have the Flu
   Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and body aches can occur after a long day in the sun. These symptoms are due to the release of chemicals from damaged skin that activate the immune system.

2. Your Skin Prickles
   Severe sun poisoning can cause a prickly sensation on the skin. If touching your skin feels unbearable, it could indicate a very severe sunburn. Soothing treatments like aloe vera, cool showers, and ibuprofen can help.

3. Extreme Thirst
   Sun poisoning can lead to dehydration. Symptoms include dark-colored urine, not urinating, dry mouth, and feeling faint. In severe cases, IV hydration may be necessary to prevent organ damage.

4. Dizziness or Headaches
   Fluid loss from sun poisoning can cause dizziness, headaches, and confusion. This happens because blood pressure drops, reducing oxygen flow to the brain. Electrolyte imbalances can also contribute to these symptoms.

5. Fever
   A fever is often part of the body's immune response to sun poisoning. A temperature of 102 to 103°F may require immediate attention, especially if accompanied by chills or illness.

6. Blisters on the Skin
   Blistering is a sign of severe sun poisoning. Avoid popping blisters, as this increases the risk of infection. Apply aloe vera and avoid further sun exposure until healing occurs.

7. Falling Asleep in the Sun
   People who fall asleep in the sun often experience severe burns. Even if no symptoms are present yet, increased fluid intake and aloe application are recommended.

8. Peeling Skin
   Peeling is a natural part of healing after a severe sunburn. Do not pick at peeling skin, as it protects new skin underneath. Moisturize with aloe vera and avoid hot showers.

9. Rash on the Body
   A sun poisoning rash appears as an inflamed, itchy eruption with small bumps or blisters. Cool compresses, aloe vera, and hydrocortisone cream can help manage symptoms.

10. Swelling
    Swelling occurs due to inflammation and fluid retention. Elevate affected areas, drink fluids, and apply cool compresses. Severe swelling around the eyes or throat requires immediate medical attention.

11. Eye Pain
    Prolonged sun exposure can cause photokeratitis, a sunburn on the cornea. Symptoms include pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. Artificial tears and rest can help, while severe cases require an eye doctor.

Heat Rash vs. Sun Poisoning

Heat rash is different from sun poisoning. It appears as tiny red bumps in skin folds and is caused by trapped sweat. Sun poisoning involves widespread inflammation and systemic symptoms.

Sunstroke vs. Sun Poisoning

Sunstroke, or heat stroke, is a medical emergency caused by the body overheating. Unlike sun poisoning, it doesn’t always result from sun exposure and affects skin color differently. It is associated with neurological symptoms like confusion and fainting.

Managing Sun Poisoning

There is no instant fix for sun poisoning, but symptoms can be managed with proper care. Hydration, cool compresses, aloe vera, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Avoid further sun exposure and rest as much as possible.

When to See a Doctor

If symptoms worsen, such as increasing pain, spreading redness, or a persistent fever, seek medical attention. Severe dehydration, dizziness, or altered mental status also require immediate care. Doctors will focus on correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Preventing Sun Poisoning

To avoid sun poisoning, limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Checking the UV index before going outside can also help minimize risk.

The Surprising Truth About Holding Your Breath

The Surprising Truth About Holding Your Breath

M Hasan    6:30 AM   

Understanding the Science Behind Holding Your Breath

From childhood contests to grown-up moments of poolside bravado, most of us have tested our limits to see how long we can go without breathing. The aftermath includes experiencing a little breathlessness, maybe some lightheadedness too, but nothing too serious. Right? Not quite. What happens when you hold your breath goes far beyond that quick dizzy spell. From plummeting oxygen levels to unexpected effects on your brain and body, there’s a lot going on when you hold your breath.

Science says there’s only so long we can go without a good gulp of air, and it depends on things like age, fitness, and lung power. Sure, some people take it to the extreme. But even with record-breaking training, your body still feels the impact. Curious about what happens when you hold your breath? Read on as we take a deep dive into the surprising science behind it.

Is It Safe to Hold Your Breath?

It depends. Most of us have tried breath-holding, whether at yoga class or while swimming laps, but it’s only safe when it’s done with proper technique and training. Competitors and professional divers train rigorously over extended periods of time. By taking deep breaths before submerging themselves, and also performing various other fitness exercises, a diver is able to push the carbon dioxide out of their body, which takes away the body’s natural reaction to come up for air.

But even with all the training in the world, how long is it actually safe to do so? We’ve got the answer for you ahead.

How Long Can Humans Hold Their Breath?

Unlike loggerhead sea turtles, who can go without air for up to 10 hours, most healthy human adults can comfortably hold their breath for 30 to 90 seconds. Anything beyond this is dangerous and should be avoided, as it can put you at risk for drowning—even in shallow water. But that’s not the only risk. Coming up: What’s going on within your body when you hold your breath.

What Happens When You Hold Your Breath?

By now, we know there’s only so long the human body can go without air. And whether you’re trained or not, pushing past that limit sets off a chain reaction in your body as it copes with the lack of oxygen. Here’s exactly what happens when you hold your breath for too long:

• Oxygen levels drop: Without fresh oxygen coming into our bodies, the oxygen saturation level of our blood goes down. This means that our brain and organs do not receive the oxygen they need to function, a condition called hypoxia. When our brains begin to become hypoxic, the first symptoms are a feeling of confusion, altered decision-making, and loss of coordination.

• Carbon dioxide levels rise: Our bodies release carbon dioxide (CO2) when we exhale, so when we hold our breath, CO2 builds up and we get the urge to take another breath. However, this increase in carbon dioxide doesn’t always happen underwater.

• Risk of brain damage goes up: A study found that when divers held their breath for extended periods of time, they had higher levels of the protein S100B in their bloodstream. This protein is a marker for brain damage; fortunately, the increased level was temporary and went back to normal once they started breathing again.

• Coordination is affected: That same study also found that divers had higher levels of lactate (an ionized form of lactic acid) in their blood while holding their breath. Lactic acid is what builds up in your muscles during a long run or intense workout, and it can lead to cramping, soreness, and loss of coordination.

• Blood sugar levels rise: Holding your breath for too long can cause your blood sugar to jump. In the same study, researchers also found that blood glucose levels were higher in divers when holding their breath.

• Heart rate slows down: When our bodies are deprived of oxygen, the heart can’t pump fresh, oxygenated blood out to the body. Studies show that about 30 seconds of breath-holding can lead to a lowered heart rate and lower cardiac output.

• Blood pressure goes up: Once your body’s heart rate goes down during breath-holding, it tries to compensate by raising your blood pressure to get blood pumped to the body. It happens as our blood vessels constrict.

• Risk of passing out increases: The most dangerous risk of holding your breath underwater is the possibility of passing out in the water. When children hold their breath underwater, the pressure in their chests causes their blood vessels to cut off blood flow to the right side of the heart. As this happens, the heart can’t pump blood, which leads to the fainting reflex.

Should You Hold Your Breath for Extended Periods of Time?

Because of the very real risks involved—including accidental drownings among healthy kids and adults—the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against practicing voluntary apnea altogether. So yes, breath-holding games are a no-go. But if you’ve got dreams about going toe-to-toe with record holders, it’s best to train with professionals under strict medical supervision. Safety first, bragging rights later!

Aussie Sounds Alarm on Common Supplement After Life-Changing Crisis

Aussie Sounds Alarm on Common Supplement After Life-Changing Crisis

M Hasan    8:32 AM   

A Young Australian's Struggle with Vitamin B6 Overdose

A 33-year-old man from Melbourne, Dominic Noonan-O'Keeffe, has come forward with a troubling story about his experience with vitamin B6 supplements. He claims that taking a combination of Blackmores Super Magnesium+ and Ashwagandha+ led to severe health issues, including pain and cognitive problems.

Noonan-O'Keeffe began using these supplements in May 2023, partly based on recommendations from health podcasters. Over several months, he developed symptoms such as fatigue, nerve pain, migraines, and visual disturbances. It wasn't until nine months later that his stepsister suggested the possibility of vitamin B6 toxicity after learning of a colleague's similar experience.

This realization prompted him to stop all supplements immediately and undergo a blood test. Within a week, he was diagnosed with B6 toxicity. He later discovered that the Magnesium+ supplement he had been taking contained approximately 29 times the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6.

Despite this, Noonan-O'Keeffe still experiences numbness in his fingers, nerve pain in his neck, and reduced cognitive ability. He remains hopeful that he is nearing the end of a flare-up and that recovery is possible, though the long-term effects are uncertain.

Legal Action Against Blackmores

An injury law firm, Polaris Lawyers, has launched a class action investigation against Blackmores, the company behind the supplements. The firm is representing anyone who has suffered injuries from taking their products.

Polaris principal Nick Mann stated that over 300 people have expressed interest in joining the lawsuit. Many claim they experienced adverse effects from B6 supplements, either alone or in combination with other supplements.

Elli Carew, a 64-year-old woman, said she inadvertently took B6 through other supplements for years, which now interferes with her Parkinson's disease treatment. Penny Thompson, 61, described how her B6 toxicity first appeared as numbness in her hands and feet, leading to paralyzed vocal cords that affected her ability to eat and speak. This injury cost her her job as a TAFE teacher and resulted in additional health issues like headaches and gut pain.

Mann called these reports "alarming," highlighting the potential dangers of high B6 content in supplements available in pharmacies across Australia. He emphasized that consumers have the right to expect safe products, and manufacturers must ensure their safety regardless of regulatory approval.

Regulatory Changes and Company Response

In June, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced it would consider requiring supplements containing more than 50mg of vitamin B6 to be stored behind pharmacy counters. This change would take effect in February 2027.

Blackmores responded to the situation, stating its commitment to "the highest standards of product quality and consumer safety." A company spokesman noted that all products, including those with vitamin B6, comply with TGA regulations, including maximum daily doses and warning statements. They also mentioned that they will adhere to the final determination of the TGA.

The case highlights the growing concerns around supplement safety and the need for greater awareness among consumers. As more individuals come forward with similar experiences, the conversation around vitamin B6 supplementation continues to evolve, urging both regulators and manufacturers to prioritize consumer health and safety.